Ramiz Raja suggests ‘possible financial losses’ to Cricket Governing Council if Pakistan pulls out of 2023 ODI World Cup
Ramiz Raja (Image Credit: Twitter)
In the last few months, India and Pakistan Cricket Boards are having a war of words over the Men’s Asia Cup 2023 venue. At this point, the PCB is hellbent on hosting the tournament. It all started after Indian Cricket Board secretary and ACC president, Jay Shah insisted against the Men In Blue’s travel to Pakistan for the tournament. In reply, PCB threatened to pull out of ODI World Cup next year.
During the 20-20 World Cup 2022, these conversations went to bed for various reasons. However, the conversation came alive with powerful figures from both nations making a statement or two on the matter. In recent times, PCB chairperson, Ramiz Raja had made it clear that if India doesn’t travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, their team won’t travel to India for the ODI World Cup.
Meanwhile, at this point, Pakistan is hosting England for the three-match Test series. Raja spoke with the BBC Test match special during the Rawalpindi Test.
What happens if the Pakistan government doesn’t allow the national team’s travel to India: Ramiz Raja
The 1992 World Cup winner spoke hypothetically about the Pakistan government doesn’t allow its national team’s travel to India. If this happens, the World Cricket Governing Council will face financial losses. Meanwhile, Raja also cited the FIFA example in which the football body president spoke about how sport can slove issues.
“What happens if the government of Pakistan doesn’t allow Pakistan to travel to India because of security issues?” Ramiz responded on the matter. “It is quite an emotional subject here. The debate was started by the Indian Cricket Board in a way. We had to respond. Test cricket needs India v Pakistan.”
“You saw what happened in the World Cup – 90,000 fans turned up [at MCG]. I am just a little disappointed with the World Cricket Governing Council. When the point was put to the FIFA president why is the US playing Iran, Iran has so many issues regarding women’s rights, he picked up the football and said this can solve a lot of issues. Through sport we can take care of the tribe mentality. I feel let bat and ball talk,” he said.
